Why replace your window glass?
In France, summer comfort remains a challenge for many households. More than one in two main residences has an energy performance rating between D and G, indicating poor thermal insulation. In other words, nearly half of French people live in homes that are poorly protected against temperature fluctuations. Changing the glazing in your windows and doors helps to improve your comfort at home.
Better thermal insulation
Although single glazing is becoming increasingly rare, there are still many homes equipped with this type of glass. Switching from single glazing to double glazing is an important step in improving the thermal insulation of your home, but several criteria can influence the performance of the glazing (type of glass, thickness, spacer, etc.).
First point to remember: to improve thermal comfort, replacing single glazing with double glazing is good; choosing the right double glazing is better!
Reading recommendation : cool your home without air conditioning.
Better sound insulation
Replacing your windows with more efficient double glazing can have a real impact on the sound insulation of a property (houses near roads, city centres, etc.). In a noisy environment, changing your windows can significantly improve your acoustic comfort.
Second point to remember: if the neighbourhood is noisy, replacing the windows will improve the home’s sound insulation!
Broken glass or damaged spacer
Finally, in the case of a double glazing broken, or if the frame or spacer is damaged, it is necessary to replace the double glazing to avoid:
– heat loss
– injuries
– offenses
Third point: is it broken? It needs to be replaced!
Which double glazing should you choose for your renovation or replacement?
Have you decided to replace your double glazing ? Excellent. But what should you replace it with? Unless you are a glazier or carpenter (and we recommend calling one), it is not always easy to know what to choose.
Double glazing with solar control
One of your best allies: double glazing with solar control and low-emissivity coating.
Its strengths:
- The solar layer on the outer side allows light to enter while filtering out heat.
- The low-emissivity coating on the inside retains heat inside.
There are various sun control options available depending on your needs, technical constraints and the exposure of your windows. More information: solar control.
Double glazing with acoustic coating for improved sound comfort
If soundproofing is your number one priority, opt for acoustic double glazing (which can be combined with solar control glass — clever!).
Please note: use two glasses of sufficiently different thicknesses so that each masks the weaknesses of the other at its critical frequency.
Several compositions exist depending on the desired decibel reduction. See : acoustic glazing.
Double glazing with solar control: summary
Double glazing with solar control and low-emissivity coating:
- lets in light while filtering heat gain;
- the low-emissivity coating on the inside retains heat inside;
- can be adapted to your requirements, technical constraints or the exposure of your windows.
Find all the information here: solar control.
Double glazing with acoustic coating: summary
If your primary concern is sound insulation, choose acoustic double glazing (which can be combined with solar control glass).
Please note : It is important to use two types of glass with different thicknesses to cover the weaknesses of each at its critical frequency. The offer varies according to the desired decibel reduction.
See also : acoustic glazing.
Bonus : On our website, you can view all the glass products we can supply to your craftsman. Learning about what is possible helps you request high-performance solutions tailored to your needs.
How to carry out work when replacing glass? Our advice
Take measurements carefully and choose the right materials
Are you replacing your double glazing yourself? First and foremost, it is essential to take accurate measurements of the existing opening: height, width and thickness of the glazing (mm). Don’t forget to check for the presence of a spacer (dimensions in mm) and the type of original glazing (single, double, laminated, etc.) in order to choose a model that is perfectly suited.
Also remember to choose glazing that meets your needs: enhanced thermal insulation, soundproofing, security or even solar control, depending on the room’s exposure. (See what we said above!)
PVC, aluminium, wood frames… this is also a good time to change materials depending on the desired aesthetic. If you are changing frames, remember to take the measurements of the old ones.
Key takeaway: measure, measure and make the right choices!
Prepare the site and ensure safety
Replacing glass requires great care. Wear protective gloves and goggles and use suitable tools (suction cups, wedge, rubber mallet). Take care to remove the old glass carefully, without damaging the frame or rebate.
Install the new glazing correctly
Place the new glazing, ensuring that it is properly secured and centred. Follow the order of installation for the base and glazing wedges to avoid unnecessary tension that could weaken the glass. Check the seal with a suitable sealant to prevent air or water infiltration. You should also check the sides, especially if you have solar control glass! The solar control side must be on the outside.
Final check
Once the glazing has been installed, check that it is properly aligned and that there is no play. If you have any doubts or difficulties, do not hesitate to call in a professional to ensure a safe and durable result.
How much does it cost to replace a double-glazed window ?
The price depends on the type of double glazing chosen: thickness, type of glass, surface area to be covered, frame material, etc.
Replacing or repairing something yourself can be less expensive than hiring a professional. However, doing it yourself:
- will take time;
- requires technical knowledge;
- requires tools to remove the old joinery and install the new one.
The added value of a tradesperson is therefore invaluable on this type of project: you can be sure of a neat installation using good materials. Remember to consult several tradespeople in order to obtain several quotes.